Watch and Pray

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Mk 14:38 RSV)

Sin is that which separates us from God. How much the evil one desires to separate us from the love of God, for he despises the Most High with an all-consuming hatred. But the justice of God demands that we can not be tested beyond our strength, and that He will provide a means of escape in every temptation.

We must, however, keep watch, so as not to become despoiled of the great graces our God has given us. Once cleansed by the waters of baptism, or by the absolution of confession, we must be vigilant against the roaring lion who prowls about seeking someone to devour. Though our hearts be lightened and bouyed by the hope that is within us, we must not consider ourselves immune from sin, forgetting the concupiscence of our fallen nature.

And so we turn to Him in prayer, prayer which keeps us united with Him, and from which we draw the strength to live in this world. We cast ourselves completely into His care, and ask that He preserve us whole and entire. We implore His aid, that He might strengthen us against evil and protect us from the snares of the devil. We invoke the Holy Spirit, that we may be filled more and more with His presence, so that when temptation comes, we might have the fortitude to reject sin, and choose God, the lover of our soul. That we might remain faithful to Him, Him Who is always faithful to us.